CEROC – Cstrider Multi-Ship Efficiency Remote Operations Centre

Urban waterways remain largely underutilized for passenger transport across Europe, despite approximately 75% of EU citizens living in cities where 90% have waterways available. The transition to autonomous, electric ferry systems offers a pathway to sustainable urban mobility, but supervising multiple vessels remotely—especially over unreliable terrestrial mobile networks—remains a significant challenge.

CEROC evaluates the operational feasibility and value of supervising multiple autonomous electric ferries from a centralized Remote Operation Centre (ROC). The goal is to assess both the technical and commercial viability of integrating space-based assets—satellite communication, Earth observation, and GNSS—into a multi-ship ROC that enables fleet coordination, route optimization, and energy-efficient transport operations.

The project investigates three key areas: (1) redundant connectivity using satellite communication to overcome limitations in 4G/5G coverage on waterways, (2) enhanced situational awareness through fusion of GNSS, AIS, land-based radar, and Earth observation data, and (3) human-machine interface design for multi-ferry supervision. A Proof of Concept will be conducted with a minimum of three vessels, including real vessels at different geographical locations and simulated ferries, validated with at least five customers in an on-site session. BTH contributes with research on digital optimization, simulation-based evaluation, and the feasibility of integrating real-time on-demand fleet optimization and AI-based learning systems, building on an existing digital twin from previous research collaboration with Cstrider.